My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group

is so pretty,

and a paper plate, preparing to

and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday. Before she treats you all to some

happened to be a little

must sing the ‘Happy Birthday’

close her

blow

indicate to Julian that there was no need to go

had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any of

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

must make a wish on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice piped

girl who wasn’t even

clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and

to say thank you!” their parents

on each other’s faces. Just like that, the strangers

Rachel finally smiled for the first

apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is to take care of your body and your mood. You don’t need

never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it

child, he changed the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately,

turned and

apartment and about to

slam, the door was propped open by a

face made all the more grotesque

he out on business? she

explaining himself, he slid sideways into the house and shut the door before surveying the

you’ve been getting along fine

two steps back. Why are

her resentfully, he stalked toward her as he pulled off his necktie and threw it

“I suppose you wouldn’t

by step he approached her, forcing her back inch by

idea what she

of her arm and pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all the way to